Configurable rug system

ABSTRACT

A configurable rug system is provided, comprising: an insertable rug portion; and, a second rug portion larger than the insertable rug portion, the second rug portion comprising a receptacle for receiving the insertable rug portion such that the insertable rug portion is insertable into the receptacle. The second rug portion can be provided alone or a together with the insertable portion. A kit comprising a plurality of insertable rug portions and the second rug portion can also be provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/775,892, filed Mar. 11, 2013, titled “A CONFIGURABLE RUG SYSTEM,” the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The specification relates generally to rugs, and specifically to a configurable rug system and kit therefor.

BACKGROUND

Rugs are generally difficult to replace; for example, once an area rug and/or a wall-to-wall rug is in place in a room, in order to replace the rug, the entire rug must be removed. Hence, if the décor of the room changes, the entire rug must be replaced to match.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various implementations described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a configurable rug system, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 2 depicts the configurable rug system of FIG. 1 with an insertable rug portion received in a receptacle of a second rug portion, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 3 depicts the configurable rug system of FIG. 1 with another insertable rug portion received in the receptacle of the second rug portion, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 4 depicts an alternative configurable rug system in which a receptacle of a second rug portion includes a backing material, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 5 depicts an alternative configurable rug system which further includes edge portion attachable to a second rug portion, according to non-limiting implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In this specification, elements may be described as “configured to” perform one or more functions or “configured for” such functions. In general, an element that is configured to perform or configured for performing a function is configured to perform the function, or is enabled to perform the function, or is suitable for performing the function, or is adapted to perform the function, or is operable to perform the function, or is otherwise capable of performing the function.

In this specification, elements may be described as a rug, a rug system, a rug portion and the like. In general, an element referred to as a rug is appreciated to include carpeting, floor coverings, mats, matting, runners, shag, tapestries, throw rugs, wall-to-wall carpeting and the like.

The present specification provides a configurable rug system comprising: an insertable rug portion; and, a second rug portion larger than the insertable rug portion, the second rug portion comprising a receptacle for receiving the insertable rug portion such that the insertable rug portion is insertable into the receptacle.

The receptacle can be configured to frictionally retain the insertable rug portion therein.

The second rug portion can surround the insertable rug portion when the insertable rug portion is retained in the receptacle.

The receptacle can comprise an aperture in the second rug portion.

The receptacle can comprise a backing material such that a respective backing material of the insertable rug portion resides adjacent to the backing material when the insertable rug portion is received in the receptacle. One or more of the backing material of the receptacle and the respective backing material of the insertable rug portion can be configured for removable attachment to each other. One or more of the backing material of the receptacle and the respective backing material can comprise one or more of: an adhesive; and a hook and loop system.

The insertable rug portion and the second rug portion can have different aesthetic designs.

Each of the insertable rug portion and the receptacle can be one or more of: complimentary geometrical shapes, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, elliptical.

When the insertable rug portion is received in the receptacle, a top of the insertable rug portion can be one of: about the same height as a respective top of the second rug portion; below the respective top of the second rug portion; or, above the respective top of the second rug portion.

The insertable rug portion can comprise one or more of a pattern, rivets, crystal material, shag rug material, and an attached raised portion.

The configurable rug system can further comprise a plurality of insertable rug portions of different aesthetic designs, but otherwise similar to the insertable rug portion, such that the configurable rug system can be customized based on which of the plurality of insertable rug portions are received in the receptacle.

The configurable rug system can further comprise one or more edge rug portions configured for removable attachment to one or more edges of the second rug portion.

The configurable rug system can further comprise a plurality of second rug portions, including the second rug portion, each of the plurality of second rug portions configured for one or more of: removable attachment to each other; and tiling with each other. Each of the plurality of second rug portions can comprise one or more respective receptacles for receiving one or more respective insertable rug portions. The configurable rug system can further comprise one or more edge rug portions configured for removable attachment to one or more edges of one or more of the plurality of second rug portions.

The second rug portion can comprise a plurality of receptacles, including the receptacle, for receiving one or more respective insertable rug portions.

The second rug portion can comprise at least one surface attachment portion for removable attachment of surface rug portions.

Another aspect of the specification provides a rug comprising: a rug portion; and, a receptacle for receiving an insertable rug portion such that the insertable rug portion is insertable into the receptacle, the rug portion larger than the insertable rug portion.

Yet a further aspect of the specification provides a kit comprising: a plurality of insertable rug portions of different aesthetic designs; and, a second rug portion larger than each of the plurality of insertable rug portions, the second rug portion comprising a receptacle for receiving one of the plurality of insertable rug portions, such that the second rug portion can be customized based on which of the plurality of insertable rug portions are received in the receptacle.

FIG. 1 depicts a configurable rug system 100 comprising: an insertable rug portion 101; and, a second rug portion 103 larger than insertable rug portion 101, second rug portion 103 comprising a receptacle 105 for receiving insertable rug portion 101 such that insertable rug portion 101 is insertable into receptacle 105, as indicated by arrow 107. Hence, configurable rug system 100, interchangeably referred to hereafter as system 100, can be customized based on an aesthetic design of insertable rug portion 101.

For example, attention is next directed to FIG. 2 which depicts insertable rug portion 101 received in receptacle 105, which is no longer visible as shapes of insertable rug portion 101 and receptacle are generally complementary such that insertable rug portion 101 fills an area of receptacle 105 when insertable rug portion 101 is received in receptacle 105.

When the aesthetic design of insertable rug portion 101 is no longer desirable, insertable rug portion 101 can be removed from receptacle 105 and replaced with another similar insertable rug portion of a different aesthetic design.

For example, system 100 can further comprise a plurality of insertable rug portions 101, each of a different aesthetic design; hence, an aesthetic design of system 100 can be customized for a particular décor by swapping an insertable rug portion 101 for another one of the plurality of insertable rug portions 101. Hence, when the décor of a room where system 100 is installed changes, the aesthetic appearance of system 100 can also be changed without removing the entirety of system 100.

Indeed, it is appreciated that while insertable rug portion 101 and second rug portion 103 can have the same aesthetic design, insertable rug portion 101 and second rug portion 103 can have different aesthetic designs. As depicted, insertable rug portion 101 has a swirl design, while second rug portion 103 is a solid design. In some implementations, second rug portion 103 can comprise an aesthetically neutral colour and/or pattern that can match a wide array of décors, including, but not limited to, black, white, beige and the like. In contrast, insertable rug portion 101 can comprise a more interesting aesthetically design including, but not limited to, one or more of a pattern, rivets, crystal material, shag rug material, and an attached raised portion, that can be matched to a décor of a room.

For example, attention is next directed to FIG. 3, which depicts system 100 with insertable rug portion 101 removed from receptacle 105, and a different insertable rug portion 301 received in receptacle 105. Insertable rug portion 301 is substantially similar to insertable rug portion 101, other than the aesthetic design thereof. Indeed, insertable rug portion 301 includes an attached raised portion 313 (e.g. a three dimensional design) including, but not limited to cotton balls and/or any other type of material attachable to rug portion 301.

Indeed, FIG. 3 further depicts how different insertable rug portions can be used to dramatically change an aesthetic appearance of system 100 and/or second rug portion 103. In FIG. 2, system 100 appears flat with a spiral design in the centre of second rug portion 103 by virtue of insertable rug portion 101 being received in receptacle 105; whereas in FIG. 4, system 100 appears three dimensional by virtue of insertable rug portion 301 being received in receptacle 105.

Hence, system 100 can further comprise a plurality of insertable rug portions 101 of different aesthetic designs, but otherwise similar to insertable rug portion 101, such that the configurable rug system can be customized based on which of the plurality of insertable rug portions 101 are received in receptacle 105. While each insertable rug portion 101 will have a same shape as receptacle 105 (in other words, their perimeters match), each insertable rug portion 101 can be otherwise different, not only with respect to aesthetic design but with regards to physical height. Indeed, when an insertable rug portion 101 is received in receptacle 105, a top of an insertable rug portion 101 can be one of: about the same height as a respective top of second rug portion 103, as in FIG. 2; below the respective top of second rug portion 103 (not depicted); or, above the respective top of second rug portion 103, as with insertable rug portion 301 in FIG. 3.

It is further appreciated that insertable rug portion 101 and second rug portion 103 can each comprise the same material or different materials. For example, each can be made from one or wool, polyester and the like or one can be made from wool and the other from polyester. However, it is appreciated that this list not to be considered exhaustive and other materials used for rugs are within the scope of present implementations.

In general, receptacle 105 is configured to frictionally retain insertable rug portion 101 therein. Indeed, it is appreciated that receptacle 105 and insertable rug portion 101 each comprise generally complimentary shapes. For example, as depicted insertable rug portion 101 is circular, receptacle 105 is also circular such that insertable rug portion 103 fits into receptacle 105. Specifically, edges and/or a perimeter of insertable rug portion 101 will reside adjacent to edges and/or a perimeter of receptacle 105 and the respective edges/perimeters will exert a frictional force on each other, thereby retaining insertable rug portion 101 in receptacle. In other words, second rug portion 103 surrounds insertable rug portion 101 when insertable rug portion 101 is retained in receptacle 105.

It is further appreciated that second rug portion 103 can comprise an area rug, a wall-to-wall rug, and the like, and can be of any size that will reside on a floor of a room into which second rug portion 103 is to be installed. However, second rug portion 103 need not cover the entirety of a floor of a room; rather, when second rug portion 103 comprises an area rug, it is appreciated that second rug portion 103 will cover only a portion of a floor of a room. Furthermore, in some implementations, second rug portion 103 can be inserted into a wall-to-wall rug and like, for example either by laying second rug portion on top of the wall-to-wall rug and/or by removing a portion of the wall-to-wall rug and replacing the removed portion of the wall-to-wall rug with second portion 103.

It is further appreciated that second rug portion 103 can be any given shape use with rugs, including, but not limited to, a regular shape, an irregular shape, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, five-sided, six-sided, etc.

In some implementations, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, receptacle 105 comprises an aperture in second rug portion 103. Hence, when insertable rug portion 101 is received in receptacle 105, a backing material of insertable rug portion 101 rests against the floor. In other words, receptacle 105 comprises a hole in second rug portion 103. Indeed, in some of these implementations, insertable rug portion 101 can be removed and/or not inserted from receptacle 105 as a design choice; in other words, second rug portion 103 can be used on its own with receptacle 105 left empty.

However, attention is directed to FIG. 4, which depicts an alternative configurable rug system 100 a which is substantially similar to system 100, with like elements having like number, however with an “a” appended thereto. Hence, configurable rug system 100 a (interchangeably referred to hereafter as system 100 a) comprise: an insertable rug portion 101 a; and, a second rug portion 103 a larger than insertable rug portion 101 a, second rug portion 103 a comprising a receptacle 105 a for receiving insertable rug portion 101 a such that insertable rug portion 101 a is insertable into receptacle 105 a, as indicated by arrow 107 a.

However, in system 100 a, receptacle 105 a comprises a backing material 401 such that a respective backing material of insertable rug portion 101 a resides adjacent to backing material 401 when insertable rug portion 101 a is received in receptacle 105 a. While the respective backing material of insertable rug portion 101 a is not visible in FIG. 3, it is appreciated to be nonetheless present.

In some implementations, backing material 401 comprises the same backing material as second rug portion 103 a, in that receptacle 105 a is an absence of pile material in second rug portion 103 a. Alternatively backing material 401 can be attached to a back of second rug portion 103 a and receptacle 105 a comprises an aperture in second rug portion 103 a backed by backing material 401. Either way, in these implementations, backing material 401 increases the sliding friction on insertable rug portion 101 a when received in receptacle 105 a.

Alternatively, one or more of backing material 401 of receptacle 105 a and the respective backing material of insertable rug portion 101 a are configured for removable attachment to each other. For example, one or more of backing material 401 of receptacle 105 a and the respective backing material of insertable rug portion 101 a can comprise one or more of: an adhesive; a hook and loop system, and the like. When an adhesive is used, it is appreciated that the adhesive can comprise a low tack adhesive which can be on one or both of backing material 401 of receptacle 105 a and the respective backing material of insertable rug portion 101 a. Alternatively, a hook and loop system, such as Velcro™ can be used.

However, other methods or removable attachment are within the scope of present implementations; for example one or more of backing material 401 and a respective backing material of insertable rug portion 101 a can comprise a material having a higher frictional coefficient than the remainder of second rug portion 103 a and/or insertable rug portion 101 a.

Attention is next directed to FIG. 5, which depicts an alternative configurable rug system 100 b which is substantially similar to system 100, with like elements having like number, however with a “b” appended thereto. Hence, configurable rug system 100 b (interchangeably referred to hereafter as system 100 b) comprise: an insertable rug portion 101 b; and, a second rug portion 103 b larger than insertable rug portion 101 b, second rug portion 103 b comprising a receptacle 105 b for receiving insertable rug portion 101 b such that insertable rug portion 101 b is insertable into receptacle 105 b, as indicated by arrow 107 b.

However, system 100 b further comprises one or more edge rug portions 501 configured for removable attachment to one or more edges of second rug portion 103 a. For example, as depicted each edge rug portion 501 comprises an attachment portion 503 and one or more external edges of second rug portion 103 b comprises a complimentary attachment portion 505. As depicted, attachment portions 503, 505 comprise a hook and loop system including, but not limited to Velcro™.

Further a location of each attachment portion 503 on each rug portion 501 is complimentary to a respective complimentary attachment portion 505 on second rug portion 103 b. For example, attachment portion 503 faces upwards on an edge rug portion 501 while complimentary attachment portion 505 face downwards on second rug portion 103 b; hence, attachment portion 503, 505 will be hidden when edge rug portion 501 are attached to second rug portion 103 b. Indeed, arrows 507 indicate that each edge rug portion 501 is attached to second rug portion 103 b from underneath; alternatively, attachment portions 503 can be slid underneath complimentary attachment portions 505. Either way, pressure can be applied thereto to reinforce the attachment.

Further, as complimentary attachment portions 505 face downwards on second rug portion 103 b, they will be hidden when edge rug portions 501 are not attached thereto; hence, edge rug portions 501 can be optional and/or provided/purchased later when an appearance and/or a size of second rug portion 103 b is to be changed. Indeed, it is further appreciated that an aesthetic top portion of second portion 103 b will cover complimentary attachment portions 505 such that attachment portions 505 remain hidden in the absence of edge rug portions 501.

It is further appreciated that a length of each edge rug portion 501 can be similar to a length of at least one external edge of second rug portion 103 b. However, in other implementations, an edge rug portion 501 can be shorter or longer than at least one external edge of second rug portion 103 b to which it is to be attached. When longer, attachment portion 503 can be less than a length of edge rug portion 501, and complimentary to a complimentary attachment portion 505 at second rug portion 103 b.

Indeed, while each attachment portion 503, 505 is depicted as being a same length of a respective edge rug portion 501 and edge of second rug portion 103 b, it is appreciated that each attachment portion 503, 505 can be less than a respective length of a respective edge rug portion 501 and edge of second rug portion 103 b; alternatively, attachment portions 503, 505 can comprise a plurality of attachments portions spaced along a portion of a respective edge rug portion 501 and edge of second rug portion 103 b.

Further, while two edge rug portions 501 are depicted in FIG. 5, and further two external edges of second rug portion 103 b are configured for attachment to respective edge rug portions 501, as few as one and as many as four edges of second rug portion 103 b can be configured for receiving edge rug portions 501, assuming second rug portion 103 b has four external edges (i.e. second rug portion 103 b is square or rectangular). When second rug portion 103 b has more than four external edges (e.g. second rug portion 103 b is pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.), a corresponding number of edges of second rug portion 103 b can configured to receive edge rug portions 501. However, not all external edges of second rug portion 103 b need to be configured to receive edge rug portions 501.

However, it is appreciated that second rug portion 103 b can be any geometric shape including, but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, five-sided, six-sided, etc., and that a portion of one or more edges of second rug portion 103 b can be configured to receive an edge rug portion 501 for attachment. For example when second rug portion 103 b is circular, edge rug portions 501 can be arc shaped having curvature similar to an edge of second rug portion 103 b and configured for attachment to a portion of an edge of second rug portion 103 b. In other words, at least a portion of an edge of second rug portion 103 b can comprise an attachment portion 505 and an edge rug portion 501 can be attached thereto.

Further, edge rug portions 501 can be any width, and indeed can be provided in a range of widths to change a size of second rug portion 103 b to fit a given area. For example, a plurality of edge rug portions 501 can be provided in a range of different widths and edge rug portions 501 most suitable for increasing the size of second rug portion 103 b to fit a given area can be chosen.

Edge rug portions 501 can also be provided in different aesthetic patterns to aesthetically customize system 100 b for a décor of a room, similar to insertable rug portions 101, 301. As depicted edge rug portions 501 have a checked design while second rug portion 103 b has a solid design. Edge rug portions 501 can further include aesthetic features on a side opposite attachment portion 503, including, but not limited to, fringes and the like.

Further, while in FIG. 5 a hook and loop system (e.g. Velcro™) is used to attach edge rug portions 501 to second rug portion 103 b, other attachment methods are within the scope of present implementations, including, but not limited to, adhesives and low tack adhesives. In other words, each of attachment portions 503 and complimentary attachment portions 505 can include, but are not limited to an adhesive, a low tack adhesive, a hook and loop system, Velcro™ and the like.

It is further appreciated that in yet further implementations complimentary attachment portions 505 on opposites edges of second rug portion 103 b can be on opposite sides of second rug portion 103 b; for example, in some implementations, an attachment portion 505 can be on a bottom side of second rug portion 103 b at a left hand edge and an attachment portion 505 can be on a top side of second rug portion 103 b at a right hand edge. Hence, second rug portion 103 b can be attached to another second rug portion by matching a top attachment portion 505 to a bottom attachment portion, thereby tiling the second rug portions 103 b together; edge rug portions 501 can then be attached to outer edges of the attached second rug portions 103 b. In other words, in these implementations, a plurality of second rug portions 105 can be tiled together and then finished with edge rug portions 501, and a plurality of insertable rug portions 101 b can be received in respective receptacles 105 b; the plurality of insertable rug portions 101 b can be of different and/or similar aesthetic designs.

It is further appreciated that second rug portions 103, 103 a, 103 b can comprise more than one receptacle 105, 105 a, 105 b such that more than one insertable rug portion 101, 101 a, 101 b, 301 can be received in a second rug portion 103, 103 a, 103 b.

Further, in some implementations, second rug portions 103, 103 a, 103 b can comprise attachment portions similar to attachment portions 505 that are not at an edge, for example at a surface of a second rug portions 103, 103 a, 103 b, can comprise such that decorative rug portions can be added to a surface of second rug portions 103, 103 a, 103 bc. For example, a second rug portions 103, 103 a, 103 b can comprise one or more areas of adhesive, a hook and loop system and the like such that a decorative rug portion of a similar size (and/or larger and/or smaller) can be attached thereto, so that the surface of second rug portions 103, 103 a, 103 b can be further customized.

It is appreciated that second rug portions 103, 103 a, 103 b, insertable rug portions 101, 101 a, 101 b, 301 and edge rug portions 501 can be sold separately and individual insertable rug portions 101, 101 a, 101 b, 301 and edge rug portions 501 can be purchase to customize an already purchased second rug portions 103, 103 a, 103 b. Hence, it is appreciated that second rug portion 103, 103 a, 103 b can be sold separately, as a rug comprising: a rug portion 103, 103 a, 103 b; and, a receptacle 105, 105 a, 105 b for receiving an insertable rug portion 101, 101 a, 101 b, 301 such that insertable rug portion 101, 101 a, 101 b, 301 is insertable into receptacle 105, 105 a, 105 b, rug portion 103, 103 a, 103 b larger than insertable rug portion 101, 101 a, 101 b, 301.

Alternatively, a kit can be sold, the kit comprising: a plurality of insertable rug portions 101, 101 a, 101 b, 301 of different aesthetic designs; and, a second rug portion 103, 103 a, 103 b larger than each of the plurality of insertable rug portions 101, 101 a, 101 b, 301, second rug portion 103, 103 a, 103 b comprising a receptacle 105, 105 a, 105 b for receiving one of the plurality of insertable rug portions 101, 101 a, 101 b, 301, such that second rug portion 103, 103 a, 103 b can be customized based on which of the plurality of insertable rug portions 101, 101 a, 101 b, 301 are received in receptacle 105, 105 a, 105 b.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the above examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A configurable rug system comprising: an insertable rug portion; and, a second rug portion larger than the insertable rug portion, the second rug portion comprising a receptacle for receiving the insertable rug portion such that the insertable rug portion is insertable into the receptacle.
 2. The configurable rug system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is configured to frictionally retain the insertable rug portion therein.
 3. The configurable rug system of claim 1, wherein the second rug portion surrounds the insertable rug portion when the insertable rug portion is retained in the receptacle.
 4. The configurable rug system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises an aperture in the second rug portion.
 5. The configurable rug system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises a backing material such that a respective backing material of the insertable rug portion resides adjacent to the backing material when the insertable rug portion is received in the receptacle.
 6. The configurable rug system of claim 5, wherein one or more of the backing material of the receptacle and the respective backing material of the insertable rug portion are configured for removable attachment to each other.
 7. The configurable rug system of claim 6, wherein one or more of the backing material of the receptacle and the respective backing material comprise one or more of: an adhesive; and a hook and loop system.
 8. The configurable rug system of claim 1, wherein the insertable rug portion and the second rug portion have different aesthetic designs.
 9. The configurable rug system of claim 1, wherein each of the insertable rug portion and the receptacle are one or more of: complimentary geometrical shapes, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, elliptical.
 10. The configurable rug system of claim 1, wherein, when the insertable rug portion is received in the receptacle, a top of the insertable rug portion is one of: about the same height as a respective top of the second rug portion; below the respective top of the second rug portion; or, above the respective top of the second rug portion.
 11. The configurable rug system of claim 1, wherein the insertable rug portion comprises one or more of a pattern, rivets, crystal material, shag rug material, and an attached raised portion.
 12. The configurable rug system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of insertable rug portions of different aesthetic designs, but otherwise similar to the insertable rug portion, such that the configurable rug system can be customized based on which of the plurality of insertable rug portions are received in the receptacle.
 13. The configurable rug system of claim 1, further comprising one or more edge rug portions configured for removable attachment to one or more edges of the second rug portion.
 14. The configurable rug system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of second rug portions, including the second rug portion, each of the plurality of second rug portions configured for one or more of: removable attachment to each other; and tiling with each other.
 15. The configurable rug system of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of second rug portions comprises one or more respective receptacles for receiving one or more respective insertable rug portions.
 16. The configurable rug system of claim 14, further comprising one or more edge rug portions configured for removable attachment to one or more edges of one or more of the plurality of second rug portions.
 17. The configurable rug system of claim 1, wherein the second rug portion comprises a plurality of receptacles, including the receptacle, for receiving one or more respective insertable rug portions.
 18. The configurable rug system of claim 1, wherein the second rug portion can comprise at least one surface attachment portion for removable attachment of surface rug portions.
 19. A rug comprising: a rug portion; and, a receptacle for receiving an insertable rug portion such that the insertable rug portion is insertable into the receptacle, the rug portion larger than the insertable rug portion.
 20. A kit comprising: a plurality of insertable rug portions of different aesthetic designs; and, a second rug portion larger than each of the plurality of insertable rug portions, the second rug portion comprising a receptacle for receiving one of the plurality of insertable rug portions, such that the second rug portion can be customized based on which of the plurality of insertable rug portions are received in the receptacle. 